Polymer for liquid crystal alignment agent, liquid crystal alignment agent comprising the same, and liquid crystal alignment film and liquid crystal display device using the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a polymer having excellent liquid crystal alignment and electrical properties and thus is suitable for use as a liquid crystal alignment agent, a liquid crystal alignment agent containing the same, a liquid crystal aligning film formed from the liquid crystal alignment agent, and a liquid crystal display device containing the liquid crystal aligning film.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2017-0063088 filed on May 22, 2017 and Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2017-0150898 filed on Nov. 13, 2017 with the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a polymer having excellent liquidcrystal alignment and electrical properties and thus is suitable for useas a liquid crystal alignment agent, a liquid crystal alignment agentcontaining the same, a liquid crystal alignment film formed from theliquid crystal alignment agent, and a liquid crystal display devicecontaining the liquid crystal alignment film.

TECHNICAL FIELD Background Art

In order to obtain uniform brightness and a high contrast ratio in aliquid crystal display device, it is essential for the liquid crystalsto be uniformly aligned. The liquid crystal alignment agent serves as adirector in the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules, and thus, whenthe liquid crystals move by an electric field to form an image, it helpsthem take an appropriate direction.

Polyimide, polyamide, polyester, and the like are widely known asconventional liquid crystal alignment agents. Among them, particularly,polyimide is excellent in heat resistance, affinity with liquid crystal,mechanical strength, etc., and therefore is used for many liquid crystaldisplay devices.

However, in recent years, as the demand for a lower power displayincreases, it has been found that the liquid crystal alignment agent canaffect not only the basic properties such as the alignment property ofthe liquid crystal but also the electrical properties such as anafterimage generated by the direct current/alternating voltage, and thevoltage holding ratio. Thus, there is a growing need for the developmentof a liquid crystal alignment material capable of simultaneouslyrealizing excellent liquid crystal alignment and electrical properties.

For this purpose, various attempts have been made to change thestructure itself of the liquid crystal alignment agent, through a methodof changing monomers used for the production of the liquid crystalalignment agent or of combining a plurality of different monomers,thereby improving the physical/chemical properties thereof. However,these attempts have not yet reached a dramatic improvement in physicalproperties.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a novel liquid crystal alignmentagent having excellent liquid crystal alignment and electricalproperties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

It is one object of the present invention to provide a polymer havingexcellent liquid crystal alignment and electrical properties and thus issuitable for use as a liquid crystal alignment agent.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquidcrystal alignment agent, a liquid crystal alignment film, and a liquidcrystal display device using the above-described polymer for a liquidcrystal alignment agent.

Technical Solution

The present invention provides a polymer for a liquid crystal alignmentagent including one or more repeating units selected from the groupconsisting of a repeating unit represented by the following ChemicalFormula 1, a repeating unit represented by the following ChemicalFormula 2, and a repeating unit represented by the following ChemicalFormula 3.

In Chemical Formulas 1 to 3, at least one of R¹ and R² is an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms and the other is hydrogen, X¹ to X³ are eachindependently a tetravalent organic group, and Y¹ to Y³ are eachindependently a divalent organic group represented by the followingChemical Formula 4.

In Chemical Formula 4, A is a Group 15 element, R₃ is hydrogen or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a is an integer of 1 to 3, andat least one of Z₁ to Z₄ is nitrogen and the rest are carbon.

Hereinafter, a polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent according toa specific embodiment of the present invention and a method forproducing the same will be described in detail.

Throughout the specification, when one part “includes” one constituentelement, unless otherwise specifically described, this does not meanthat another constituent element is excluded, but means that anotherconstituent element may be further included.

As used herein, the term “substituted” means that a hydrogen atom bondedto a carbon atom in a compound is changed to another substituent, and aposition to be substituted is not limited as long as the position is aposition at which the hydrogen atom is substituted, that is, a positionat which the substituent may be substituted, and when two or more aresubstituted, the two or more substituents may be the same as ordifferent from each other.

As used herein, the term “substituted or unsubstituted” means thatsubstitution is performed by one or more substituent groups selectedfrom the group consisting of: deuterium; a halogen group; a cyano group;a nitro group; a hydroxyl group; a carbonyl group; an ester group; animide group; an amide group; an amino group; a carboxy group; a sulfonicacid group; a sulfonamide group; a phosphine oxide group; an alkoxygroup; an aryloxy group; an alkylthioxy group; an arylthioxy group; analkylsulfoxy group; an arylsulfoxy group; a silyl group; a boron group;an alkyl group; a cycloalkyl group; an alkenyl group; an aryl group; anaralkyl group; an aralkenyl group; an alkylaryl group; an arylphosphinegroup; or a heterocyclic group containing at least one of N, O, and Satoms, or there is no substituent group, or substitution is performed bya substituent group where two or more substituent groups of theexemplified substituent groups are linked or there is no substituentgroup. For example, the term “substituent group where two or moresubstituent groups are linked” may refer to a biphenyl group. That is,the biphenyl group may be an aryl group, or may be interpreted as asubstituent group where two phenyl groups are connected.

In the present specification,

or

means a bond connected to another substituent group, and a direct bondmeans a case where another atom does not exist in a portion representedby L.

In the present specification, the alkyl group may be straight-chained orbranched, and the number of carbon atoms thereof is not particularlylimited, but is preferably 1 to 10. According to another embodiment, thealkyl group has 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the alkylgroup include methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl,n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, 1-methyl-butyl, 1-ethyl-butyl,pentyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, n-hexyl,1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 4-methyl-2-pentyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl,2-ethylbutyl, heptyl, n-heptyl, 1-methylhexyl, cyclopentylmethyl,cycloheptylmethyl, octyl, n-octyl, tert-octyl, 1-methylheptyl,2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylpentyl, n-nonyl, 2,2-dimethylheptyl,1-ethyl-propyl, 1,1-dimethyl-propyl, isohexyl, 2-methylpentyl,4-methylhexyl, 5-methylhexyl, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

The fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms may be one in which atleast one hydrogen atom in an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms issubstituted with fluorine, and the fluoroalkoxy group having 1 to 10carbon atoms may be one in which at least one hydrogen atom in an alkoxygroup having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is substituted with fluorine.

The halogen group may be fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), oriodine (I).

The Group 15 element may be nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As),antimony (Sb), or bismuth (Bi).

The nitrogen oxide is a compound in which a nitrogen atom and an oxygenatom are bonded, and the nitrogen oxide functional group means afunctional group containing a nitrogen oxide in the functional group.Examples of the nitrogen oxide functional group include a nitro group(—NO₂) and the like.

The present inventors found through experiments that, when using apolymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent including repeating unitsof Chemical Formulas 1 to 3 prepared from a reaction product containinga nitrogen atom-containing diamine compound having a specific structure,it is possible to have a high voltage holding ratio at a hightemperature and to improve a reduction in contrast ratio or anafterimage phenomenon, thereby completing the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a polymer for a liquidcrystal alignment agent including one or more repeating units selectedfrom the group consisting of a repeating unit represented by ChemicalFormula 1, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2, and arepeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3 may be provided.

Specifically, the polymer according to one embodiment includes repeatingunits of Chemical Formulas 1 to 3. In the repeating units of ChemicalFormulas 1 to 3, X¹ to X³ may be various tetravalent organic groups asdescribed above, and Y¹ to Y³ may be various divalent organic groups asdescribed above.

The Y¹ to Y³ may be defined as divalent organic groups represented byChemical Formula 4 to provide a polymer for a liquid crystal alignmentagent having various structures capable of exhibiting theabove-mentioned effects.

In Chemical Formula 4, A is a Group 15 element, R₃ is hydrogen or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a is an integer of 1 to 3, andat least one of Z₁ to Z₄ is nitrogen and the rest are carbon.

The Group 15 element may be nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As),antimony (Sb), or bismuth (Bi). The R₃ is a functional group bonded tothe A, and can be bonded to the A element by a number represented by a.Preferably, in Chemical Formula 4, A is nitrogen, R₃ is hydrogen, and amay be 1.

On the other hand, by satisfying the condition that in Chemical Formula4 at least one of Z₁ to Z₄ is nitrogen and the rest are carbon, ChemicalFormula 4 may form an asymmetric structure which does not form symmetrywith respect to the center point or the center line due to the nitrogenatom. Chemical Formula 4 is a repeating unit derived from a diamine,which is a precursor used for the formation of a polymer for a liquidcrystal alignment agent, and this is considered to be due to the use ofan asymmetric diamine as described later.

In the field of polymers for liquid crystal alignment agentsconventionally known in the art, from the viewpoint of not recognizingthe constitution of the asymmetric diamine or the repeating unit derivedtherefrom, and effects resulting therefrom at all, the repeating unit ofChemical Formula 4 and its precursor, the diamine compound, areconsidered to be novel.

More specifically, in Chemical Formula 4, one of Z₁ to Z₄ may benitrogen and the rest may be carbon. In Chemical Formula 4, one of Z₁and Z₃ is nitrogen and the other is carbon, and Z₂ and Z₄ may be carbon.That is, the aromatic ring containing Z₁ to Z₄ in Chemical Formula 4 mayhave a pyridine structure. Accordingly, the liquid crystal displaydevice to which the polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent of oneembodiment is applied can realize a high voltage holding ratio andliquid crystal alignment property.

On the other hand, when two aromatic cyclic compounds are bonded througha single bond without a secondary amine group or a tertiary amine group,technical problems that the illuminance fluctuation rate of the liquidcrystal alignment agent is increased, the afterimage property is poor,and the voltage holding ratio is remarkably reduced, are caused.

Further, in the case where neither of the two aromatic cyclic compoundsbonded through a secondary amine group or a tertiary amine group containa nitrogen atom, even if the imidization reaction of the polyamic acidor the polyamic acid ester formed by the reaction of the amine and theacid anhydride proceeds, a sufficient imidization reaction (e.g., via a230° C. heat treatment) does not proceed, and thus there is a limitationthat the imidization rate decreases within the final liquid crystalalignment film.

Further, the functional group represented by Chemical Formula 4 ischaracterized in that only the amine group and hydrogen are bonded toeach of two aromatic cyclic compounds, preferably the heteroaromaticcyclic compound and the aromatic cyclic compound, and other substituentsare not introduced. When a substituent such as a fluoroalkyl group isintroduced into the heteroaromatic cyclic compound or the aromaticcyclic compound, technical problems that the luminance fluctuation rateis increased, the afterimage property is poor, and the voltage holdingratio is remarkably reduced, may be caused.

In addition, Chemical Formula 4 may include at least one functionalgroup selected from the group consisting of the following ChemicalFormulas 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3.

In Chemical Formulas 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3, A, R₃, a, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, and Z₄ areas defined above with reference to Chemical Formula 4.

As described above, as the repeating unit of Chemical Formula 4 includesone or more functional groups selected from the group consisting ofChemical Formulas 4-1, Chemical Formulas 4-2, and Chemical Formulas 4-3,an excellent liquid crystal alignment property can be realized.

On the other hand, the X¹ to X³ may each independently include atetravalent organic group represented by the following Chemical Formula5. That is, the X¹ to X³ may each independently correspond to any one ofthe tetravalent organic groups represented by the following ChemicalFormula 5.

In Chemical Formula 5, R₄ to R₉ are each independently hydrogen or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, L₂ is any one selected from thegroup consisting of a direct bond, —O—, —CO—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—,—CR₁₀R₁₁—, —CONH—, —COO—, —(C₂)_(b)—, —O(CH₂)_(b)O—,—COO—(CH₂)_(b)—OCO—, phenylene, or a combination thereof, R₁₀ and R₁₁are each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, or a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and b is aninteger of 1 to 10.

More preferably, the X¹ to X³ may each independently be: an organicgroup of the following Chemical Formula 5-1 derived from pyromelliticdianhydride (PMDA); an organic group of the following Chemical Formula5-2 derived from 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride(BPDA); an organic group of the following Chemical Formula 5-3 derivedfrom 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA); or anorganic group of the following Chemical Formula 5-4 derived from1,3-dimethyl-cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride(DMCBDA).

Among the repeating units represented by Chemical Formula 1, ChemicalFormula 2, and Chemical Formula 3, the polymer may include the repeatingunit represented by Chemical Formula 1, which is an imide repeatingunit, in an amount of 0 mol % to 80 mol %, preferably 0.1 mol % to 65mol %, based on the total repeating units.

As described above, when the polymer including a specific amount of theimide repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1 is used, thepolymer includes a certain amount of already imidized imide repeatingunits, and thus a liquid crystal alignment film having an excellentalignment property and stability can be prepared even when thehigh-temperature heat treatment process is omitted and light is directlyirradiated.

If the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1 is included atless than the above-mentioned content range, sufficient alignmentproperties may not be exhibited and alignment stability may bedeteriorated. If the content of the repeating unit represented byChemical Formula 1 exceeds the above-mentioned content range, a problemthat the solubility is lowered and thus it is difficult to prepare astable alignment solution capable of coating may be caused. Accordingly,it is preferable to include the repeating unit represented by ChemicalFormula 1 within the above-mentioned content range, because it canprovide a polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent having excellentstorage stability, electrical properties, alignment properties, andalignment stability.

Further, the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2 or therepeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3 may be included in anappropriate amount depending on the desired properties.

Specifically, the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2 maybe included in an amount of 0 mol % to 50 mol %, preferably 0.1 mol % to30 mol %, based on the total repeating units represented by ChemicalFormulas 1 to 3. The repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2has a low rate of conversion to imide during a high-temperature heattreatment process after light irradiation, and thus, if the amountexceeds the above range, the overall imidization rate is insufficient,thereby deteriorating the alignment stability. Accordingly, therepeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2 exhibits appropriatesolubility within the above-mentioned range and thus can provide apolymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent which can implement a highimidization rate, while having excellent processing properties.

Furthermore, the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3 may beincluded in an amount of 10 mol % to 100 mol %, preferably 30 mol % to99.8 mol %, based on the total repeating units represented by ChemicalFormulas 1 to 3. Within such a range, excellent coating properties canbe exhibited, thereby providing a polymer for a liquid crystal alignmentagent which can implement a high imidization rate, while havingexcellent processing properties.

Meanwhile, the polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent of oneembodiment may further include one or more repeating units selected fromthe group consisting of a repeating unit represented by the followingChemical Formula 11, a repeating unit represented by the followingChemical Formula 12, and a repeating unit represented by the followingChemical Formula 13.

In Chemical Formulas 11 to 13,

at least one of R³ and R⁴ is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atomsand the other is hydrogen,

X⁴ to X⁶ are each independently a tetravalent organic group, and

Y⁴ to Y⁶ are each independently a divalent organic group represented bythe following Chemical Formula 14,

wherein, in Chemical Formula 14,

R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano, a C₁₋₁₀alkyl, a C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, a C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, a C₁₋₁₀ fluoroalkyl, or a C₁₋₁₀fluoroalkoxy,

p and q are each independently an integer of 0 to 4,

L¹ is a single bond, —O—, —CO—, —S—, —SO₂—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CF₃)₂—,—CONH—, —COO—, —(CH₂)_(z)—, —O(CH₂)_(z)O—, —O(CH₂)_(z)—, —NH—,—NH(CH₂)_(z)—NH—, —NH(CH₂)_(z)O—, —OCH₂—C(CH₃)₂—CH₂O—,—COO—(CH₂)_(z)—OCO—, or —OCO—(CH₂)_(z)—COO—,

Z is an integer of 1 to 10,

k and m are each independently an integer of 0 to 3, or 1 to 3, and

n is an integer of 0 to 3.

In Chemical Formula 14, hydrogen can be bonded to carbon which is notsubstituted by R⁵ or R⁶, p and q are each independently an integer of 0to 4, 1 to 4, or 2 to 4, and when p or q is an integer of 2 to 4, aplurality of R⁵ or R⁶ may be the same or different substituents.

Further, in Chemical Formula 14, k and m may each independently be aninteger of 0 to 3, or 1 to 3, and n may be an integer of 0 to 3, or 1 to3.

More specifically, Chemical Formula 14 may be the following ChemicalFormula 15 or the following Chemical Formula 16.

In Chemical Formula 16, D is a direct bond, —O—, —SO₂—, or —C(R₇)(R₈)—,wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Preferably, Chemical Formula 15 may be the following Chemical Formula17.

Further, Chemical Formula 16 may be the following Chemical Formula 18.

In Chemical Formula 18, D is —O— or —CH₂—.

The X⁴ to X⁶ may each independently include a tetravalent organic grouprepresented by the following Chemical Formula 5.

In Chemical Formula 5, R₉ to R₁₄ are each independently hydrogen or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, L₂ is any one selected from thegroup consisting of a direct bond, —O—, —CO—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—,—CR₁₅R₁₆—, —CONH—, —COO—, —(CH₂)_(b)—, —O(CH₂)_(b)O—,—COO—(CH₂)_(b)—OCO—, phenylene, or a combination thereof, R₁₅ and R₁₆are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or afluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and b is an integer of 1to 10.

At this time, the molar ratio between one or more repeating unitsselected from the group consisting of the repeating unit represented byChemical Formula 1, the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula2, and the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3, and one ormore repeating units selected from the group consisting of the repeatingunit represented by Chemical Formula 11, the repeating unit representedby Chemical Formula 12, and the repeating unit represented by ChemicalFormula 13 may be 1:100 to 100:1.

Further, the polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent of the oneembodiment may further include one or more repeating units selected fromthe group consisting of a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula21, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 22, and a repeatingunit represented by Chemical Formula 23.

In Chemical Formulas 21 to 23, at least one of R₂₁ and R₂₂ is an alkylgroup having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and the other is hydrogen, X₂₁ to X₂₃are different from X¹ to X³ in Chemical Formulas 1 to 3, or aredifferent from X⁴ to X⁶ in Chemical Formulas 11 to 13, or are differentfrom X¹ to X³ in Chemical Formulas 1 to 3 and X⁴ to X⁶ in ChemicalFormulas 11 to 13, and are each independently a tetravalent organicgroup represented by Chemical Formula 5, while Y₂₁ to Y₂₃ are eachindependently a divalent organic group represented by Chemical Formula 4or a divalent organic group represented by Chemical Formula 14.

The polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent may have a weightaverage molecular weight of 1000 g/mol to 200,000 g/mol. The weightaverage molecular weight means a weight average molecular weight interms of polystyrene measured by a GPC method. In the process ofdetermining the weight average molecular weight in terms of polystyrenemeasured by the GPC method, a commonly known analyzing device, adetector such as a refractive index detector, and an analytical columncan be used. Commonly applied conditions for temperature, solvent, andflow rate can be used. Specific examples of the measurement conditionsinclude a temperature of 30° C., a chloroform solvent, and a flow rateof 1 mL/min.

Such a polymer can be used as a liquid crystal alignment agent toprovide a liquid crystal alignment film which realizes excellentstability and reliability.

Examples of the method for producing the polymer for a liquid crystalalignment agent are not particularly limited. For example, a method forproducing the polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent including thesteps of: producing a compound represented by the following ChemicalFormula 8 by reacting a heteroaromatic compound represented by thefollowing Chemical Formula 6 with an aromatic compound represented bythe following Chemical Formula 7; producing a diamine of ChemicalFormula 9 by reducing the compound of Chemical Formula 8; reacting thediamine of Chemical Formula 9 with a tetracarboxylic acid or ananhydride thereof; and imidizing the reaction product with thetetracarboxylic acid or a anhydride thereof can be used.

In Chemical Formula 6, R₂₁ is a halogen element, R₂₂ is a nitrogen oxidefunctional group,

at least one of Z₁ to Z₄ is nitrogen, and the rest are hydrogen.

In Chemical Formula 7, A is a Group 15 element, R₃ is hydrogen or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, q is an integer of 2 to 4, andR₂₃ is an amino group or a nitrogen oxide functional group.

Preferably, in Chemical Formula 6, R₂₁ is a chlorine atom, R₂₂ is anitro group,

one of Z₁ and Z₃ is nitrogen and the other is carbon, and Z₂ and Z₄ maybe carbon. That is, preferred examples of Chemical Formula 6 include2-chloro-5-nitropyridine, 2-chloro-4-nitropyridine, and the like.

Further, preferably, in Chemical Formula 7, A is a nitrogen element, R₃is hydrogen, q is 2, and R₂₃ may be an amino group. That is, preferredexamples of Chemical Formula 7 include paraphenylene diamine,metaphenylene diamine, and the like.

In the step of preparing the compound of Chemical Formula 8, thecompound of Chemical Formula 8 can be produced through reaction of theheteroaromatic compound of Chemical Formula 6 with the aromatic compoundof Chemical Formula 7. Specifically, the reaction in which the halogenelement of R₂₁ contained in the heteroaromatic compound of ChemicalFormula 6 is substituted with a Group 15 element of A contained in thearomatic compound of Chemical Formula 7 can proceed.

The reaction can proceed with a high yield of more than 50% under mildconditions in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst at roomtemperature for 6 to 15 hours. The reaction may be carried out in thepresence of various organic solvents conventionally known in the art.Specific examples of the organic solvent include ethyl acetate,tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl caprolactam, 2-pyrrolidone,N-ethylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide,tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethylsulfone, hexamethyl sulfoxide,γ-butyrolactone, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinone, ethyl amyl ketone, methyl nonyl ketone,methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone,cyclohexanone, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, diglyme,4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, or the like. These solvents can be usedalone or in combination of two or more.

In Chemical Formula 6, R₂₁ is a halogen element, R₂₂ is a nitrogen oxidefunctional group, and at least one of Z₁ to Z₄ is nitrogen and the restmay be carbon. More specifically, in Chemical Formula 4, one of Z₁ to Z₄may be nitrogen and the rest may be carbon. In Chemical Formula 4, oneof Z₁ and Z₃ is nitrogen and the other is carbon, and Z₂ and Z₄ may becarbon. Further, preferably, in Chemical Formula 6, R₂₁ may be chlorineand R₂₂ may be a nitro group.

In Chemical Formula 7, A is a Group 15 element, R₃ is hydrogen or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, q is an integer of 2 to 4, andR₂₃ may be an amino group or a nitrogen oxide functional group.Preferably, in Chemical Formula 7, A is nitrogen, R₃ is hydrogen, q is2, and R₂₃ is an amino group.

In the nitrogen oxide functional group, the nitrogen oxide is a compoundin which a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom are bonded, and the nitrogenoxide functional group means a functional group containing a nitrogenoxide in the functional group. Examples of the nitrogen oxide functionalgroup include a nitro group (—NO₂) and the like.

The Group 15 element may be nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As),antimony (Sb), or bismuth (Bi). The R₃ is a functional group which bindsto the A, and can be bonded to the A element by a number represented byq.

The compound of Formula 8 thus produced can produce the diamine compoundof Chemical Formula 9 through a reduction reaction. Specifically, as thenitrogen oxide functional group of R₂₂ contained in the compound ofChemical Formula 8 is reduced to a primary amino group under reducingconditions, a diamine compound can be synthesized.

The reduction reaction can proceed with a high yield of 80% or moreunder mild conditions in the presence of a palladium/carbon catalyst atroom temperature for 10 to 15 hours. The reaction may proceed in thepresence of various organic solvents conventionally known in the art.Specific examples of the organic solvent include ethyl acetate,tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl caprolactam, 2-pyrrolidone,N-ethylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide,tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethylsulfone, hexamethyl sulfoxide,γ-butyrolactone, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinone, ethyl amyl ketone, methylnonyl ketone,methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone,cyclohexanone, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, diglyme,4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, or the like. These solvents can be usedalone or in combination of two or more.

The contents of A, R₃, q, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄, R₂₂, and R₂₃ defined inChemical Formulas 8 and 9 include those described above with referenceto Chemical Formulas 6 and 7.

The diamine of Chemical Formula 9 prepared through the above steps canbe reacted with a tetracarboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof commonlyused for the preparation of polyamic acids, for example, pyromelliticdianhydride (PMDA), 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride(BPDA), 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA), 1,3-dimethyl-cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DMCBDA), ora mixture of two or more thereof to prepare a polymer composed of amicacid, amic acid ester, or a mixture thereof.

Alternatively, if necessary, in addition to the diamine of ChemicalFormula 9 prepared through the above steps, various types of diaminecompounds, which are widely known in the field generally associated withliquid crystal alignment agents, for example, p-phenylenediamine,4,4-oxydianiline, 4,4′-methylenedianiline, or the like, can be mixed toprepare an amic acid, an amic acid ester, or a mixture thereof.

The reaction conditions can be appropriately adjusted with reference tothe production conditions of polyamic acid known in the technical fieldto which the present invention belongs. Then, the obtained amic acid,amic acid ester, or a mixture thereof may be imidized to prepare apolymer having the repeating units of the above-mentioned ChemicalFormulas 1 to 3.

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the invention, aliquid crystal alignment agent including the polymer is provided.

Since the liquid crystal alignment agent includes the above-mentionedpolymer, it can effectively suppress deterioration of the stability andreliability due to the decomposition reaction of the polymer during thebaking process and storage, and exhibit excellent coating properties andsimultaneously exhibit an excellent imide conversion ratio.

Such a liquid crystal alignment agent may be provided through a varietyof methods known known in the technical field to which the presentinvention belongs, except that they include the above-mentioned polymer.

In a non-limiting example, the above-mentioned polymer may be dissolvedor dispersed in an organic solvent to provide a liquid crystal alignmentagent.

Specific examples of the organic solvent include N,N-dimethylformamide,N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methylcaprolactam,2-pyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, N-vinylpyrrolidone, dimethylsulfoxide, tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethyl sulfone, hexamethylsulfoxide, γ-butyrolactone, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinone, ethyl amyl ketone, methyl nonyl ketone,methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone,cyclohexanone, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, diglyme,4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and the like. These solvents can be usedalone or in combination of two or more.

In addition, the liquid crystal alignment agent may further includeother components in addition to the polymer and the organic solvent. Ina non-limiting example, when the liquid crystal alignment agent has beencoated, an additive capable of improving the uniformity of filmthickness or the surface smoothness, improving adhesion between theliquid crystal alignment film and the substrate, changing the dielectricconstant and conductivity of a liquid crystal alignment film, orincreasing the denseness of the liquid crystal alignment film, mayfurther be included. Such additive may be exemplified by a variety ofsolvents, surfactants, silane-based compounds, dielectric substances,crosslinkable compounds, etc.

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the invention, aliquid crystal alignment film including the liquid crystal alignmentagent as described above is provided.

The liquid crystal alignment film including the liquid crystal alignmentagent means that the liquid crystal alignment film includes the liquidcrystal alignment agent as it is or the liquid crystal alignment filmincludes a product (for example, a cured product) resulting fromchemical reaction of the liquid crystal alignment agent.

The liquid crystal alignment film may be formed by a variety of methodsknown in the technical field to which the present invention pertains,except that the above-described liquid crystal alignment agent is used.

As an example, a method for producing a liquid crystal alignment filmincluding the steps of: coating the above-mentioned liquid crystalalignment agent onto a substrate to form a coating film (step 1); dryingthe coating film (step 2); irradiating the coating film with light orrubbing the coating film immediately after the drying step to perform analignment treatment (step 3); and heat-treating and curing thealignment-treated coating film (step 4) can be used.

The step 1 is a step of coating the above-described liquid crystalalignment agent onto a substrate to form a coating film.

The method of coating the liquid crystal alignment agent onto asubstrate is not particularly limited, and for example, a method such asscreen printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, inkjet, and thelike can be used.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal alignment agent may be those which aredissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent. Specific examples of theorganic solvent include N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methylcaprolactam, 2-pyrrolidone,N-ethylpyrrolidone, N-vinylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide,tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethyl sulfone, hexamethyl sulfoxide,γ-butyrolactone, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide,1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinone, ethyl amyl ketone, methyl nonyl ketone,methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone,cyclohexanone, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, diglyme,4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether,ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethylether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycolmonopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether acetate, ethyleneglycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether acetate,ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl etheracetate, and the like. These solvents can be used alone or incombination of two or more.

In addition, the liquid crystal alignment agent may further includeother components in addition to the organic solvent. In a non-limitingexample, when the liquid crystal alignment agent has been coated, anadditive capable of improving the uniformity of film thickness or thesurface smoothness, improving adhesion between the liquid crystalalignment film and the substrate, changing the dielectric constant andconductivity of a liquid crystal alignment film, or increasing thedenseness of the liquid crystal alignment film, may further be included.Such additive may be exemplified by a variety of solvents, surfactants,silane-based compounds, dielectric substances, crosslinkable compounds,etc.

The step 2 is a step of drying the coating film formed by coating theliquid crystal alignment agent onto a substrate.

In the step of drying the coating film, a method such as heating of acoating film or vacuum evaporation may be used, and the drying may bepreferably carried out at 50° C. to 150° C., or at 60° C. to 140° C.

The step 3 is a step of irradiating the coating film with light orrubbing the coating film immediately after the drying step to performalignment treatment.

In the present disclosure, the “coating film immediately after thedrying step” means that light is directly irradiated, after the dryingstep, without carrying out a heat treatment at a temperature equal to orhigher than that of the drying step, and steps other than the heattreatment can be added.

More specifically, when a liquid crystal alignment film is preparedusing a conventional liquid crystal alignment agent including polyamicacid or polyamic acid ester, it includes a step of irradiating lightafter essentially performing a high-temperature heat treatment forimidization of polyamic acid. However, when a liquid crystal alignmentfilm is prepared using the liquid crystal alignment agent of oneembodiment described above, it does not include the heat treatment step,but light is directly irradiated to perform alignment treatment, andthen the alignment-treated coating film is cured by a heat treatment,thereby preparing a liquid crystal alignment film.

In the alignment treatment step, the light irradiation is performed byirradiating polarized ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 150 nm to450 nm. In this case, the intensity of the light exposure may varydepending on the kind of the polymer for a liquid crystal alignmentagent, and preferably energy of 10 mJ/cm² to 10 J/cm², and morepreferably energy of 30 mJ/cm² to 2 J/cm², may be irradiated.

As for the ultraviolet rays, the polarized ultraviolet rays selectedamong the ultraviolet rays subjected to polarization treatment by amethod of passing through or reflecting with a polarizing device using asubstrate in which a dielectric anisotropic material is coated on thesurface of a transparent substrate such as quartz glass, soda limeglass, soda lime-free glass, etc., a polarizer plate on which aluminumor metal wires are finely deposited, or a Brewster's polarizing deviceby the reflection of quartz glass, etc., are irradiated to perform thealignment treatment. Herein, the polarized ultraviolet rays may beirradiated perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate, or may beirradiated by directing at an angle of incidence toward a specificangle. By this method, the alignment ability of the liquid crystalmolecules is imparted to the coating film.

Further, in the alignment treatment step, a rubbing treatment can use amethod using a rubbing cloth. More specifically, in the rubbingtreatment, the surface of the coating film after the heat treatment stepcan be rubbed in one direction while rotating a rubbing roller of whicha rubbing cloth was attached to a metal roller.

The step 4 is a step of heat-treating and curing the alignment-treatedcoating film.

The step of heat-treating and curing the alignment-treated coating filmis a step that is carried out after the irradiation of light even in themethod for preparing a liquid crystal alignment film using a polymer fora liquid crystal alignment agent including a polyamic acid or polyamicacid ester in the past, and is distinguished from the steps of coatingthe liquid crystal alignment agent onto a substrate and then performingheat treatment for imidizing the liquid crystal alignment agent beforeirradiating light or while irradiating light.

Herein, the heat treatment may be carried out by a heating means such asa hot plate, a hot air circulation path, an infrared ray furnace, andthe like, and the heat treatment is preferably carried out at atemperature of 150° C. to 300° C., or 180° C. to 250° C.

On the other hand, after a step of drying the coating film (step 2), astep of heat-treating the coating film immediately after the drying stepat a temperature equal to or higher than that of the drying step can befurther included, if necessary. The heat treatment can be performed by aheating means such as a hot plate, a hot air circulation path, aninfrared furnace, or the like, and is preferably performed at 150° C. to250° C. In this process, the liquid crystal alignment agent can beimidized.

That is, the method for producing a liquid crystal alignment film mayinclude the steps of: coating the above-mentioned liquid crystalalignment agent onto a substrate to form a coating film (step 1); dryingthe coating film (step 2); heat-treating the coating film immediatelyafter the drying step at a temperature equal to or higher than that ofthe drying step (step 3); irradiating the heat-treated coating film withlight or rubbing the coating film to perform alignment treatment (step4); and heat-treating and curing the alignment-treated coating film(step 5).

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the invention, aliquid crystal display device including the liquid crystal alignmentfilm described above is provided.

The liquid crystal alignment film may be introduced into a liquidcrystal cell by a known method, and likewise, the liquid crystal cellmay be introduced into a liquid crystal display device by a knownmethod. The liquid crystal alignment film can be prepared from thepolymer including the repeating units of Chemical Formulas 1 to 3 andthus can implement excellent stability together with excellent physicalproperties.

Accordingly, a liquid crystal display device which can exhibit highreliability may be provided.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, a polymer for a liquid crystalalignment agent having excellent liquid crystal alignment and electricalproperties, and a preparation method thereof, can be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail inthe following examples. However, these examples are provided for thepurpose of illustration only, and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention thereto in any way.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES 1 TO 3: PREPARATION OF DIAMINE Preparation Example1

After 18.3 g (100 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine (compound 1) and12.5 g (98.6 mmol) of para-phenylenediamine (p-PDA, compound 2) werecompletely dissolved in 200 mL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 23.4 g (200mmol) of trimethylamine (TEA) was added thereto and the mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 12 hours. When the reaction wascompleted, the reaction product was charged into a container containing500 mL of water and stirred for 1 hour. A solid obtained by filtrationwas washed with 200 mL of water and 200 mL of ethanol to synthesize 16 g(61.3 mmol) of a compound 3 (yield: 60%).

The compound 3 was dissolved in 200 mL of a 1:1 mixed solution of ethylacetate (EA) and THF, 0.8 g of palladium (Pd)/carbon (C) was addedthereto, and the mixture was stirred for 12 hours under a hydrogenatmosphere. After completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture wasfiltered through a pad of Celite and then concentrated to obtain 11 g ofa diamine compound 4 (yield: 89%).

Preparation Example 2

The diamine of Preparation Example 2 was prepared in the same manner asin Preparation Example 1, except that meta-phenylenediamine (m-PDA) wasused instead of para-phenylenediamine (p-PDA, compound 2).

Preparation Example 3

The diamine of Preparation Example 3 was prepared in the same manner asin Preparation Example 1, except that 2-chloro-4-nitropyridine was usedinstead of 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine (compound 1).

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE SYNTHESIS EXAMPLES: SYNTHESIS OFPOLYMER FOR LIQUID CRYSTAL ALIGNMENT AGENT Synthesis Example 1: PolymerP-1 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

19.743 g (0.099 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1was completely dissolved in 225.213 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-1 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-1 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 27,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 2: Polymer P-2 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

14.637 g (0.073 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1was completely dissolved in 225.213 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.068 mmol) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the solution andstirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare a polymer P-2 for aliquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weight of the polymer P-2was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weight average molecularweight (Mw) was 24,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 3: Polymer P-3 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

19.211 g (0.096 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1was completely dissolved in 222.194 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) was added to thesolution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare apolymer P-3 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weightof the polymer P-3 was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) was 26,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 4: Polymer P-4 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and9.596 g (0.089 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 178.897 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-4 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-4 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 24,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 5: Polymer P-5 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

9.872 g (0.049 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1and 5.331 g (0.049 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 199.482 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-5 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-5 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 27,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 6: Polymer P-6 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and17.768 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were completelydissolved in 225.208 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-6 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-6 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 28,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 7: Polymer P-7 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

9.872 g (0.049 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1and 9.871 g (0.049 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were completelydissolved in 225.21 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-7 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-7 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 27,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 8: Polymer P-8 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and17.593 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) were completelydissolved in 224.218 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-8 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-8 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 29,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 9: Polymer P-9 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

9.872 g (0.049 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1and 9.774 g (0.049 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) werecompletely dissolved in 224.66 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-9 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-9 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 28,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 10: Polymer P-10 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.464 g (0.007 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1and 7.114 g (0.066 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 161.939 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.068 mmol) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the solution andstirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare a polymer P-10 for aliquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weight of the polymer P-10was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weight average molecularweight (Mw) was 27,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 11: Polymer P-11 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.464 g (0.007 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1and 13.172 g (0.066 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were completelydissolved in 196.272 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.068 mmol) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the solution andstirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare a polymer P-11 for aliquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weight of the polymer P-11was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weight average molecularweight (Mw) was 25,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 12: Polymer P-12 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.464 g (0.007 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1and 13.043 g (0.066 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) werecompletely dissolved in 195.537 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.068 mmol) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the solution andstirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare a polymer P-12 for aliquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weight of the polymer P-12was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weight average molecularweight (Mw) was 27,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 13: Polymer P-13 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.921 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and9.337 g (0.086 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 177.128 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) was added to thesolution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare apolymer P-13 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weightof the polymer P-13 was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) was 23,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 14: Polymer P-14 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.921 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and17.289 g (0.086 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were completelydissolved in 222.189 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) was added to thesolution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare apolymer P-14 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weightof the polymer P-14 was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) was 26,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 15: Polymer P-15 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.921 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and17.119 g (0.086 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) were completelydissolved in 177.128 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (HPMDA) was added to thesolution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare apolymer P-15 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weightof the polymer P-15 was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) was 25,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 16: Polymer P-16 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 2 and9.596 g (0.089 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 178.897 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-16 for a liquid crystal alignment agent.The molecular weight of the polymer P-16 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 22,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 17: Polymer P-17 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 2 and17.768 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were completelydissolved in 225.208 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-17 for a liquid crystal alignment agent.The molecular weight of the polymer P-17 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 24,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 18: Polymer P-18 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 2 and17.593 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) were completelydissolved in 224.218 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-18 for a liquid crystal alignment agent.The molecular weight of the polymer P-18 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 23,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 19: Polymer P-19 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 3 and9.596 g (0.089 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 178.897 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-19 for a liquid crystal alignment agent.The molecular weight of the polymer P-19 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 21,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 20: Polymer P-20 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 3 and17.768 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were completelydissolved in 225.208 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-20 for a liquid crystal alignment agent.The molecular weight of the polymer P-20 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 24,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 21: Polymer P-21 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.974 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 3 and17.593 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) were completelydissolved in 224.218 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer P-21 for a liquid crystal alignment agent.The molecular weight of the polymer P-21 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 21,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 22: Polymer P-22 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.921 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and9.337 g (0.086 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) were completelydissolved in 177.128 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,3-dimethyl-cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DMCBDA)was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hoursto prepare a polymer P-22 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-22 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 20,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 23: Polymer P-23 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

19.211 g (0.096 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1was completely dissolved in 222.194 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,3-dimethyl-cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DMCBDA)was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hoursto prepare a polymer P-23 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-23 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 20,500 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 24: Polymer P-24 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.921 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and17.119 g (0.086 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) were completelydissolved in 221.225 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.089 mmol) of1,3-dimethyl-cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DMCBDA)was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hoursto prepare a polymer P-24 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer P-24 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 22,000 g/mol.

Synthesis Example 25: Polymer P-25 for Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent

1.921 g (0.01 mmol) of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1 and17.119 g (0.086 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) were completelydissolved in 219.696 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 10.0 g (0.045 mmol) of1,3-dimethyl-cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DMCBDA)and 9.73 g (0.045 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) were added tothe solution and stirred at room temperature for 16 hours to prepare apolymer P-25 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. The molecular weightof the polymer P-25 was confirmed by GPC, and as a result, the weightaverage molecular weight (Mw) was 24,000 g/mol.

Comparative Synthesis Example 1: Polymer R-1 for Liquid CrystalAlignment Agent

26.852 g (0.099 mmol) of p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) was completelydissolved in 265.496 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer R-1 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer R-1 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 26,000 g/mol.

Comparative Synthesis Example 2: Polymer R-2 for Liquid CrystalAlignment Agent

19.743 g (0.099 mmol) of 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) was completelydissolved in 225.208 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer R-2 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer R-2 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 21,000 g/mol.

Comparative Synthesis Example 3: Polymer R-3 for Liquid CrystalAlignment Agent

19.548 g (0.089 mmol) of 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) was completelydissolved in 224.218 g of anhydrous N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP).

Then, under an ice bath, 20.0 g (0.092 mmol) of pyromellitic dianhydride(PMDA) was added to the solution and stirred at room temperature for 16hours to prepare a polymer R-3 for a liquid crystal alignment agent. Themolecular weight of the polymer R-3 was confirmed by GPC, and as aresult, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 23,000 g/mol.

Comparative Synthesis Example 4: Polymer R-4 for Liquid CrystalAlignment Agent

A polymer R-4 for a liquid crystal alignment agent was prepared in thesame manner as in Synthesis Example 1, except that6-(4-aminophenyl)pyridin-3-amine represented by Chemical Formula A wasused instead of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1.

Comparative Synthesis Example 5: Polymer R-5 for Liquid CrystalAlignment Agent

A polymer R-5 for a liquid crystal alignment agent was prepared in thesame manner as in Synthesis Example 1, except that4,4′-diaminodiphenylamine represented by Chemical Formula B was usedinstead of the diamine prepared in Preparation Example 1.

Comparative Synthesis Example 6: Polymer R-6 for Liquid CrystalAlignment Agent

A polymer R-6 for a liquid crystal alignment agent was prepared in thesame manner as in Synthesis Example 1, except that a compoundrepresented by Chemical Formula C was used instead of the diamineprepared in Preparation Example 1.

EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES: PREPARATION OF LIQUID CRYSTALALIGNMENT AGENT Example 1

20 g of the polymer P-1 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 1 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentA-1.

Example 2

20 g of the polymer P-2 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 2 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentA-2.

Example 3

20 g of the polymer P-3 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 3 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentA-3.

Example 4

20 g of the polymer P-4 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 4 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentB-1.

Example 5

20 g of the polymer P-5 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 5 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentB-2.

Example 6

20 g of the polymer P-6 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 6 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentB-3.

Example 7

20 g of the polymer P-7 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 7 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentB-4.

Example 8

20 g of the polymer P-8 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 8 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentB-5.

Example 9

20 g of the polymer P-9 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 9 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentB-6.

Example 10

20 g of the polymer P-10 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 10 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentC-1.

Example 11

20 g of the polymer P-11 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 11 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentC-2.

Example 12

20 g of the polymer P-12 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 12 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentC-3.

Example 13

20 g of the polymer P-13 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 13 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentD-1.

Example 14

20 g of the polymer P-14 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 14 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentD-2.

Example 15

20 g of the polymer P-15 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 15 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentD-3.

Example 16

20 g of the polymer P-16 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 16 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentE-1.

Example 17

20 g of the polymer P-17 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 17 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentE-2.

Example 18

20 g of the polymer P-18 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 18 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentE-3.

Example 19

20 g of the polymer P-19 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 19 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentF-1.

Example 20

20 g of the polymer P-20 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 20 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentF-2.

Example 21

20 g of the polymer P-21 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 21 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentF-3.

Example 22

20 g of the polymer P-22 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 22 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentG-1.

Example 23

20 g of the polymer P-23 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 23 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentG-2.

Example 24

20 g of the polymer P-24 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 24 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentG-3.

Example 25

20 g of the polymer P-25 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofSynthesis Example 25 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65 g of NMP,19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt %solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentG-4.

Comparative Example 1

20 g of the polymer R-1 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofComparative Synthesis Example 1 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65g of NMP, 19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt% solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentR′-1.

Comparative Example 2

20 g of the polymer R-2 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofComparative Synthesis Example 2 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65g of NMP, 19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt% solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentR′-2.

Comparative Example 3

20 g of the polymer R-3 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofComparative Synthesis Example 3 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65g of NMP, 19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt% solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentR′-3.

Comparative Example 4

20 g of the polymer R-4 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofComparative Synthesis Example 4 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65g of NMP, 19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt% solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentR′-4.

Comparative Example 5

20 g of the polymer R-5 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofComparative Synthesis Example 5 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65g of NMP, 19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt% solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentR′-5.

Comparative Example 6

20 g of the polymer R-6 for a liquid crystal alignment agent ofComparative Synthesis Example 6 was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 8.65g of NMP, 19.95 g of GBL, and 11.4 g of 2-butoxyethanol to obtain a 5 wt% solution. Then, the solution thus obtained was subjected to pressurefiltration using a filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm and made ofpoly(tetrafluoroethylene) to prepare a liquid crystal alignment agentR′-6.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES: MEASUREMENT OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LIQUIDCRYSTAL ALIGNMENT AGENT OBTAINED IN EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES

The liquid crystal alignment agent obtained in the examples andcomparative examples was used to prepare a liquid crystal cell, and therespective physical properties were measured from the liquid crystalcell by the following method. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Specifically, the liquid crystal alignment agent obtained in theexamples and comparative examples was coated onto the upper and lowersubstrates for a voltage holding ratio (VHR) in which ITO electrodeswith a thickness of 60 nm and an area of 1 cm×1 cm were patterned on asquare glass substrate with a size of 2.5 cm×2.7 cm by a spin coatingmethod, respectively. Then, the substrates coated with the liquidcrystal alignment agent were placed on a hot plate at about 80° C. anddried for 2 minutes to evaporate the solvent.

Subsequently, the dried upper and lower substrates were baked (cured) inan oven at about 230° C. for 2000 seconds. Thereafter, in order to alignthe coating film thus obtained, the surface of the coating film wasrubbed in one direction while rotating a rubbing roller of which arubbing cloth was attached to a metal roller.

Then, the alignment-treated upper and lower substrates were baked(cured) in an oven at about 230° C. for 15 minutes to obtain a coatingfilm with a thickness of 0.1 μm. Thereafter, a sealing agent impregnatedwith ball spacers with a size of 4.5 μm was coated onto the edges of theupper substrate excluding a liquid crystal inlet. The alignment filmsformed on the upper and lower substrates were then aligned such thatthey faced each other and the alignment directions were aligned witheach other, and the upper and lower substrates were bonded together andthe sealing agent was cured with UV and heat to prepare an empty cell.Then, a liquid crystal was injected into the empty cells, and the inletwas sealed with a sealing agent to prepare a liquid crystal alignmentcell.

1. Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR)

The voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal alignment cell wasmeasured at 1 Hz and 60° C. using 6254C equipment manufactured by TOYOCorporation as a measuring instrument.

2. AC Afterimage

Polarizing plates were attached to the upper and lower substrate platesof the liquid crystal alignment cell so as to be perpendicular to eachother. The polarizing plate-attached liquid crystal alignment cell wasattached on a backlight having luminance of 7000 cd/cm², and theluminance in a black state was measured using a luminance or brightnessmeasuring instrument PR-880. Then, the liquid crystal cell was operatedat room temperature with an alternating voltage of 5 V for 24 hours.Thereafter, in the voltage-off state of the liquid crystal cell,luminance in the black state was measured as described above. Adifference between the initial luminance (L0) measured before operationof the liquid crystal cell and the later luminance (L1) measured afteroperation was divided by the initial luminance (L0), and then multipliedby 100 to calculate a luminance fluctuation rate. When the calculatedluminance fluctuation rate is close to 0%, it means that the alignmentstability is excellent. Through the measurement results of the luminancefluctuation rate, the afterimage level was evaluated under the followingcriteria.

Excellent: when luminance fluctuation rate is less than 10%

Ordinary: when luminance fluctuation rate is between 10% and 20%.

3. Imidization Rate (%)

The FT-IR spectrum of the liquid crystal alignment films obtained fromthe liquid crystal alignment agents of Examples 1 and 2, and ComparativeExamples 4, 5, and 6 was measured by an ATR method, and the ratio ofimide structure in the polymer molecules contained in the alignment filmwas measured.

TABLE 1 Measurement results of experimental examples of examples andcomparative examples AC Imidization Diamine Dicarboxylic VHR afterimagerate Class Polymer (molar ratio) acid (%) (%) (%) Example 1 P-1Preparation PMDA 91 Excellent 91 Example 1 Example 2 P-2 PreparationBPDA 90 Excellent 89 Example 1 Example 3 P-3 Preparation HPMDA 92Excellent — Example 1 Example 4 P-4 Preparation PMDA 86 Excellent —Example 1, p-PDA (10:89) Example 5 P-5 Preparation PMDA 87 Ordinary —Example 1, p-PDA (1:1) Example 6 P-6 Preparation PMDA 87 Excellent —Example 1, ODA (10:89) Example 7 P-7 Preparation PMDA 88 Ordinary —Example 1, ODA (1:1) Example 8 P-8 Preparation PMDA 90 Excellent —Example 1, MDA (10:89) Example 9 P-9 Preparation PMDA 91 Ordinary —Example 1, MDA (1:1) Example 10 P-10 Preparation BPDA 87 Excellent —Example 1, p-PDA (7:66) Example 11 P-11 Preparation BPDA 90 Excellent —Example 1, ODA (7:66) Example 12 P-12 Preparation BPDA 90 Excellent —Example 1, MDA (7:66) Example 13 P-13 Preparation HPMDA 91 Ordinary —Example 1, p-PDA (10:86) Example 14 P-14 Preparation HPMDA 90 Ordinary —Example 1, ODA (10:86) Example 15 P-15 Preparation HPMDA 91 Ordinary —Example 1, MDA (10:86) Example 16 P-16 Preparation PMDA 85 Ordinary —Example 2, p-PDA (10:89) Example 17 P-17 Preparation PMDA 87 Ordinary —Example 2, ODA (10:89) Example 18 P-18 Preparation PMDA 88 Ordinary —Example 2, MDA (10:89) Example 19 P-19 Preparation PMDA 84 Ordinary —Example 3, p-PDA (10:89) Example 20 P-20 Preparation PMDA 86 Ordinary —Example 3, ODA (10:89) Example 21 P-21 Preparation PMDA 86 Ordinary —Example 3, MDA (10:89) Example 22 P-22 Preparation DMCBDA 83 Excellent —Example 1, p-PDA (10:86) Example 23 P-23 Preparation DMCBDA 81 Excellent— Example 1 Example 24 P-24 Preparation DMCBDA 81 Excellent — Example 1,MDA (10:86) Example 25 P-25 Preparation DMCBDA, 78 Excellent — Example1, PMDA MDA (10:86) (45:45) Comparative R-1 p-PDA PMDA 55 Ordinary —Example 1 Comparative R-2 ODA PMDA 63 Ordinary — Example 2 ComparativeR-3 MDA PMDA 64 Ordinary — Example 3 Comparative R-4 Formula A PMDA 67Poor 70 Example 4 Comparative R-5 Formula B PMDA 73 Ordinary 79 Example5 Comparative R-6 Formula C PMDA 53 Poor 73 Example 6

As shown in Table 1, as the liquid crystal alignment agent of theexamples contains a polymer produced from a reaction product containinga diamine having an asymmetric structure as in Preparation Examples 1 to3, the voltage holding ratio (VHR) is improved to as high as 80% ormore, and the AC afterimage can be maintained at the equivalent level ormore.

Particularly, in the case of the liquid crystal alignment agents ofExamples 22 to 25, the voltage holding ratio (VHR) is improved and alsothe luminance fluctuation rate is measured to be less than 10%, whichconfirms that the AC afterimage properties are remarkably improved.

On the other hand, in the case of the liquid crystal alignment agents ofthe comparative examples, since the diamine having an asymmetricstructure as in Preparation Examples 1 to 3 are not contained in thereaction product during the production of the polymer, it is confirmedthat it exhibits a voltage holding ratio (VHR) of 55% to 73% which issignificantly lower than that of the examples, and the luminancefluctuation rate increases from 10% to 20%, and thus AC afterimageproperties are poor.

In particular, the liquid crystal alignment agents obtained inComparative Examples 4 to 6 exhibit the imidization rate of less than80% at 230° C., and thus the imidization level is lower than that of theexamples showing an imidization rate of 89% or more.

1. A polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent comprising one or morerepeating units selected from the group consisting of a repeating unitrepresented by Chemical Formula 1, a repeating unit represented byChemical Formula 2 and a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula3:

wherein, in Chemical Formulae 1 to 3, at least one of R¹ and R² is analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and the other is hydrogen, X¹to X³ are each independently a tetravalent organic group, and Y¹ to Y³are each independently a divalent organic group represented by thefollowing Chemical Formula 4:

wherein, in Chemical Formula 4, A is a nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic,antimony or bismuth, R₃ is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 10carbon atoms, a is an integer of 1 to 3, and at least one of Z₁ to Z₄ isnitrogen and the rest are carbon.
 2. The polymer for a liquid crystalalignment agent according to claim 1, wherein in the Chemical Formula 4,one of Z₁ to Z₄ is nitrogen and the rest are carbon.
 3. The polymer fora liquid crystal alignment agent according to claim 1, wherein in theChemical Formula 4, one of Z₁ and Z₃ is nitrogen, the other is carbon,and Z₂ and Z₄ are carbon.
 4. The polymer for a liquid crystal alignmentagent according to claim 1, wherein in the Chemical Formula 4, A isnitrogen, R₃ is hydrogen, and a is
 1. 5. The polymer for a liquidcrystal alignment agent according to claim 1, wherein the ChemicalFormula 4 includes one or more functional groups selected from the groupconsisting of Chemical Formulae 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3:

wherein, A, R₃, a, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, and Z₄ are as defined in Chemical Formula4.
 6. The polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent according toclaim 1, wherein each of X¹ to X³ independently includes a tetravalentorganic group represented by Chemical Formula 5:

wherein, R₉ to R₁₄ are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms, L₂ is any one selected from the groupconsisting of a direct bond, —O—, —CO—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —CR₁₅R₁₆—,—CONH—, —COO—, —(CH₂)_(b)—, —O(CH₂)_(b)O—, —COO—(CH₂)_(b)—OCO—,phenylene, or a combination thereof, R₁₅ and R₁₆ are each independentlyhydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a fluoroalkylgroup having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and b is an integer of 1 to
 10. 7.The polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent according to claim 1,further comprising one or more repeating units selected from the groupconsisting of a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 11, arepeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 12, and a repeating unitrepresented by Chemical Formula 13:

wherein, in Chemical Formulae 11 to 13, at least one of R³ and R⁴ is analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and the other is hydrogen, X⁴ toX⁶ are each independently a tetravalent organic group, and Y⁴ to Y⁶ areeach independently a divalent organic group represented by ChemicalFormula 14:

wherein, in Chemical Formula 14, R⁵ and R⁶ are each independentlyhydrogen, a halogen, a cyano, a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, a C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, a C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, a C₁₋₁₀ fluoroalkyl, or a C₁₋₁₀ fluoroalkoxy, p and q are eachindependently an integer of 0 to 4, L¹ is a single bond, —O—, —CO—, —S—,—C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CF₃)₂—, —CONH—, —COO—, —(CH₂)_(z)—, —O(CH₂)_(z)O—,—O(CH₂)_(z)—, —NH—, —NH(CH₂)_(z)—NH—, —NH(CH₂)_(z)O—,—OCH₂—C(CH₃)₂—CH₂O—, —COO—(CH₂)_(z)—OCO—, or —OCO—(CH₂)_(z)—COO—, Z isan integer of 1 to 10, k and m are each independently an integer of 0 to3, and n is an integer of 0 to
 3. 8. The polymer for a liquid crystalalignment agent according to claim 7, wherein the Chemical Formula 14 isrepresented by Chemical Formula 15 or Chemical Formula 16:

wherein, in Chemical Formula 16, D is a direct bond, O, SO₂, orC(R₇)(R₈), wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently hydrogen, or analkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
 9. The polymer for a liquidcrystal alignment agent according to claim 1, wherein the polymer for aliquid crystal alignment agent has a weight average molecular weight of1000 g/mol to 200,000 g/mol.
 10. A liquid crystal alignment agentcomprising the polymer for a liquid crystal alignment agent of claim 1.11. A liquid crystal alignment film comprising the liquid crystalalignment agent of claim
 10. 12. A liquid crystal display devicecomprising the liquid crystal alignment film of claim
 11. 13. A liquidcrystal alignment agent comprising the polymer for a liquid crystalalignment agent of claim
 7. 14. A liquid crystal alignment filmcomprising the liquid crystal alignment agent of claim
 13. 15. A liquidcrystal display device comprising the liquid crystal alignment film ofclaim 14.